2002 Mercedes SLK-Class Owner's Manual - Page 230

We recommend that the vehicle be transported using flat bed equipment. This method is preferable to other types of towing. Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Front towing with sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will damage radiator and supports. Rear towing with slingtype equipment over bumpy roads will damage the lower edge of the front bumper cover. Use wheel lift, dolly, or flat bed equipment, with key in steering lock turned to position 0. Towing restrictions for vehicles with automatic transmission: The vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the ground and the selector lever in position "N" for distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). The key must be in steering lock position 2. To be certain to avoid a possibility of damage to the transmission, however, we recommend the drive shaft be disconnected at the rear axle drive flange for any towing beyond a short tow to a nearby garage. Warning! Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground make certain that the electronic key is in steering lock position 2. With the engine not running, there is no power assistance for the braking and steering systems. In this case, it is important to keep in mind that a considerably higher degree of effort in necessary to brake and steer the vehicle. Important! When towing the vehicle, please, note the following: With the automatic central locking activated and the key in steering lock position 2, the vehicle doors lock if the left front wheel as well as the right rear wheel are turning at vehicle speeds of approximately 9 mph (15 km/h) or more. To prevent the vehicle door locks from locking, deactivate the automatic central locking. Towing the vehicle Instruments and controls Operation Driving 227 Instrument cluster display Practical hints Car care Technical data Index